As we approach Halloween, people are preparing costumes, decor, and bowls of candy. But a perfect Halloween atmosphere also needs jump scares, creature features, and slasher flicks…. Good horror films! If you’ve spent the last three Halloweens rewatching “Hocus Pocus” or “The Exorcist,” these overlooked films can bring new frights to your All Hallows’ Eve.
- “Re-Animator” (1985)
A campy 80s twist on a classic Lovecraft story, “Re-Animator” follows deranged medical student Herbert West as he attempts to bring the dead back to life. In his quest for scientific notoriety, West robs graves, murders, and worst of all, tests his reagent on his poor roommate’s cat. “Re-Animator” is a ridiculous B-movie with humor that holds up well even 40 years after its release and serves well for a movie night with friends.
- “The Fly” (1986)
Seth Brundle thinks he’s discovered the secret to teleportation, but his experiments go horribly wrong when his DNA is fused with a stray fly’s. Brundle’s mind and body become increasingly mutated as the fly overtakes his genetic makeup. Struggling with feelings of loyalty toward the original Brundle and the present Brundlefly, Ronnie, Seth’s romantic partner, struggles to revert him to his original form as her relationship with him becomes more and more dangerous. This body horror flick is not recommended for viewers with weak stomachs.
- “Cure” (1997)
A slower, more methodical pick than some other films on this list, Japanese horror film “Cure” follows a string of mysterious killings with seemingly no cause. Detective Keniche Takabe must tread the line between investigation and entrapment as the elusive mastermind behind the killings attempts to hypnotize him and drive him to violence.
- “Ginger Snaps” (2000)
Does your period ever make you feel like the image of the werewolf tearing its shirt off? For the two outcast sisters in “Ginger Snaps,” this metaphor becomes literal. This cult classic examines the relationship between teen girls, puberty and the social systems that shame or insult them for their natural bodily processes as the titular character Ginger becomes a werewolf—forcing her sister Brigette to cure Ginger against her will or face certain death.
- “Creep” (2014)
Succeeding the found footage trend started by “The Blair Witch Project” and other indie horror films, “Creep” catalogs the experience of broke videographer Aaron Franklin as he records the last days of terminal cancer patient Josef. As Aaron records more of Josef’s life, he becomes more concerned about Josef’s apparent eccentricities, odd behavior and changing story. This horror comedy exploits cringe humor and genuine scares to make audiences squirm.